To enter the daily photo sweepstakes, post a picture from HELI-EXPO 2015 to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram with the hashtag #HeliYeah no later than 4:00pm eastern time on March 3rd, 4th, or 5th. Participants must be at the Guidance Aviation Booth #2049 at 4:30pm to win.

“We are completely thrilled at the generosity of Guidance Aviation’s sponsorship of a new instrument rating scholarship. The scholarship is consistent with CEO John Stonecipher’s commitment to the Whirly-Girl members and the professional development of female helicopter pilots worldwide. His generosity opens the door for more of our members to realize their potential and increases the visibility of our organization,” said Colleen Chen, Vice President of Scholarships for the Whirly-Girls. “The addition of Guidance Aviation to our list of amazing scholarship sponsors is a welcome addition to our program. The instrument rating will both expand and enhance our program tremendously, thus allowing our organization to provide more scholarships than ever before.”

“We strongly support the Whirly-Girls organization and believe that one of the most important missions to pursue is getting more women into helicopter aviation. That is why, in addition to our Level 1 sponsorship of the Whirly-Girls over the next three years, we are please to provide the Guidance Aviation Instrument Rating Scholarship. I can’t think of a better way to get more ladies flying. We need them in the industry,” states John Stonecipher, CEO, Guidance Aviation.

Guidance Aviation is an FAA approved Part 141 helicopter flight training institution with flight operations in Prescott, Arizona and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Through their collegiate partner programs, graduates earn both their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, Aviation Technology – Helicopters, and the necessary FAA certificates and ratings (CFI-I) to become working, professional helicopter pilots. Guidance Aviation is a military friendly organization. The majority of its employees and students are U.S. Military Veterans.

For Immediate Release

Regulations will facilitate integration of small UAS into U.S. aviation system

WASHINGTON – The Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration today proposed a framework of regulations that would allow routine use of certain small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in today’s aviation system, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate future technological innovations.

The FAA proposal offers safety rules for small UAS (under 55 pounds) conducting non-recreational operations. The rule would limit flights to daylight and visual-line-of-sight operations. It also addresses height restrictions, operator certification, optional use of a visual observer, aircraft registration and marking, and operational limits.

The proposed rule also includes extensive discussion of the possibility of an additional, more flexible framework for “micro” UAS under 4.4 pounds. The FAA is asking the public to comment on this possible classification to determine whether it should include this option as part of a final rule. The FAA is also asking for comment about how the agency can further leverage the UAS test site program and an upcoming UAS Center of Excellence to further spur innovation at “innovation zones.”

The public will be able to comment on the proposed regulation for 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register, which can be found atwww.regulations.gov. Separate from this proposal, the FAA intends to hold public meetings to discuss innovation and opportunities at the test sites and Center of Excellence. These meetings will be announced in a future Federal Register notice.

“Technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace and this milestone allows federal regulations and the use of our national airspace to evolve to safely accommodate innovation,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

The proposed rule would require an operator to maintain visual line of sight of a small UAS. The rule would allow, but not require, an operator to work with a visual observer who would maintain constant visual contact with the aircraft. The operator would still need to be able to see the UAS with unaided vision (except for glasses). The FAA is asking for comments on whether the rules should permit operations beyond line of sight, and if so, what the appropriate limits should be.

“We have tried to be flexible in writing these rules,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We want to maintain today’s outstanding level of aviation safety without placing an undue regulatory burden on an emerging industry.”

Under the proposed rule, the person actually flying a small UAS would be an “operator.” An operator would have to be at least 17 years old, pass an aeronautical knowledge test and obtain an FAA UAS operator certificate. To maintain certification, the operator would have to pass the FAA knowledge tests every 24 months. A small UAS operator would not need any further private pilot certifications (i.e., a private pilot license or medical rating).

The new rule also proposes operating limitations designed to minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground:

A small UAS operator must always see and avoid manned aircraft. If there is a risk of collision, the UAS operator must be the first to maneuver away.

The operator must discontinue the flight when continuing would pose a hazard to other aircraft, people or property.

A small UAS operator must assess weather conditions, airspace restrictions and the location of people to lessen risks if he or she loses control of the UAS.

A small UAS may not fly over people, except those directly involved with the flight.

Flights should be limited to 500 feet altitude and no faster than 100 mph.

Operators must stay out of airport flight paths and restricted airspace areas, and obey any FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs).

The proposed rule maintains the existing prohibition against operating in a careless or reckless manner. It also would bar an operator from allowing any object to be dropped from the UAS.

Operators would be responsible for ensuring an aircraft is safe before flying, but the FAA is not proposing that small UAS comply with current agency airworthiness standards or aircraft certification. For example, an operator would have to perform a preflight inspection that includes checking the communications link between the control station and the UAS. Small UAS with FAA-certificated components also could be subject to agency airworthiness directives.

The new rules would not apply to model aircraft. However, model aircraft operators must continue to satisfy all of the criteria specified in Sec. 336 of Public Law 112-95, including the stipulation that they be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes. Generally speaking, the new rules would not apply to government aircraft operations, because we expect that these government operations will typically continue to actively operate under the Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA) process unless the operator opts to comply with and fly under the new small UAS regulations.

In addition to this proposal, earlier today, the White House issued a Presidential Memorandum concerning transparency, accountability, and privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections for the Federal Government’s use of UAS in the national airspace system which directs the initiation of a multi-stakeholder engagement process to develop a framework for privacy, accountability, and transparency issues concerning commercial and private UAS use.

The current unmanned aircraft rules remain in place until the FAA implements a final new rule. The FAA encourages new operators to visit:http://www.knowbeforeyoufly.org

Our company provides three scholarships per year of $2,000 usd for qualified applicants. The award will be used for flight training, ground instruction, and one month of housing costs if needed.

The three scholarships consist of the following categories:

Private Pilot

This award is for a individual having no flight time and/or aviation training. Determination of qualified applicants will be based upon the following:

o Be enrolled, or plan to be enrolled, for full-time study in an accredited school (community college, four year college, university, technical, etc.). A GPA of 3.0 or higher, and minimum age of 16 years old is required to apply.

o Have demonstrated or expressed a genuine interest in a career in aviation. Provide examples of membership in aviation clubs, activities, or involvement in professional aviation organizations.

Instrument Pilot

o Be enrolled, or plan to be enrolled, for full-time study in an accredited school (community college, four year college, university, technical, etc.). A GPA of 3.0 or higher, and minimum age of 16 years old is required to apply.

o Have completed the Private Pilot Rating.

o Provide letters of recommendation from Flight Schools, Certified Flight Instructors that have provided instruction leading to the Private Pilot Rating

o Provide copies of flight log books showing flight experience.

Professional Pilot

o Be enrolled, or plan to be enrolled, for full-time study in an accredited school (community college, four year college, university, technical, etc.). A GPA of 3.0 or higher, and minimum age of 16 years old is required to apply.

o Provide letters of recommendation from Flight Schools, and Certified Flight Instructors that have provided instruction leading to the Private Pilot and/or Instrument Rating.

o Provide copies of flight log books showing flight experience.

How to Apply

We offer a total of three scholarships per year, one scholarship for each category of training. Since the training dates for each of these categories will vary depending upon the schedule of the applicants selected, we will accept applications at any time during the year.

Selection Criteria

Selection will be based on the applicant’s Scholarship Entry Form and Essay: Interest in becoming a professional pilot and/or pursuing a career in aviation; extra-curricular activities; recommendations of teachers, flight instructors, and/or other references provided by the applicant; and academic record. The top five (5) candidates may be called for a personal interview via Skype or Facetime when the next scholarship comes available.

Application Process

1. Prepare a 500 word essay regarding your desire to pursue a career in aviation, and the steps that you have taken to reach this goal.

2. Provide certified copies of all high school, technical, trade, vocational, and/or colleges attended. Be sure that all grades are reflected along with the GPA (Grade Point Average).

Please advise which scholarship your application is for as well as your contact information.

Notices

The award of this scholarship does not cover the costs of obtaining TSA approval and/or obtaining a student visa if you are a not a citizen of the United States. These expenses must be paid before the scholarship can be used.

Successful applicants have three months (3) to use the scholarship from the date of the award. If the scholarship is not used within the three months after it is awarded the scholarship shall be forfeited and given to the next successful applicant.

Privacy Policy

All information collected from applicants will be retained for one year, and will ONLY be used to determine eligibility for scholarships. No information will be released and/or shared with any other entities. Any student information can only be shared if students give their permission and for the purpose of awarding scholarships. No students will be automatically enrolled to receive extraneous emails and/or solicitations of any sort. Students will only receive further communication regarding their individual application, and no information will be shared for email distribution lists.

A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER.

Established in 1989 to provide the Pacific Northwest with aviation services, Leading Edge Aviation (LEA) has grown to become one of the world’s premier professional pilot training centers. Since our Flight Training program launched in 2006 we have consistently certified highly qualified pilots to enjoy exciting, rewarding, and successful careers in flight.

WHERE WILL FLYING TAKE YOU?

Some of the thrilling career options available to Leading Edge graduates:

Leading Edge Aviation also offers Airplane training under the COCC Aviation Program. Additional information can be found here.

AAS Degrees from COCC and SLCC can be transferred to a number of universities toward a Bachelor of Science Degree.

PAYING FOR FLIGHT SCHOOL

Flight Training costs range from $50,000 to $80,000. Leading Edge recommends all students interested in flight school consider the option of one of our collegiate partners. While attending a college program, students are earning an Associate’s Degree while completing flight certifications. Students attending a college program may be eligible for financial aid and student loans.

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. They also may perform aircraft inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. They must often meet strict deadlines to maintain flight schedules. The environment can be loud because of aircraft engines and equipment. Workers frequently bend, stoop, and reach from ladders and scaffolds. Most mechanics and technicians work full time; overtime and weekend work is common.

Most aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade at an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School. Others enter with a high school education or equivalent and are trained on the job. Some workers enter the occupation after receiving training in the military. Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians are typically certified by the FAA.

Employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2012 to 2022. Job prospects will be best for mechanics who hold an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.

A Intro Flight at Alpine Aviation Academy really is your first flying lesson. This deal allows the purchaser a chance to literally discover firsthand what flying an aircraft is all about and puts you in the air with a FAA-Certified Flight Instructor for a REAL FLYING LESSON! You’ll actually sit in the pilot’s seat and learn to fly. You’ll have your hands on the controls and experience what flying a helicopter or airplane is all about and more importantly, you’ll get to discover that flying is easier to learn than most people could imagine. This is also an opportunity for you to sit down with an actual pilot that has gone through the flight training process and answer any questions that you might have.

A Intro Flight makes the perfect gift for someone you wish to INSPIRE with that special one of a kind gift. The person that uses this certificate actually flies a REAL aircraft in the Pilot seat!!

Contact us today to schedule your Intro Flight in the helicopter, airplane, or both! Other than enjoying the rush and excitement an intro flight brings, making sure we can help answer all your questions is just as important! So please bring all your questions! Call for pricing as they may vary depending on specials and circumstances.

UAV Pilot Training

Five Things to consider

UAV pilot training is becoming an increasingly popular flight training option. Still in the early phases of development, the UAV industry is an exciting industry to follow, but one that is often difficult to understand and often breeds misconceptions. If you’re interested in UAVs and UAV pilot training, you should consider several things before starting your training.

UAV pilot training is all new

Modern UAVs are so much more than glorified remote control planes. They are in a near constant state of development, with new models rapidly out pacing the capabilities of models of just a few years ago. Not to mention, the FAA has struggled to keep pace with regard to establishing a framework to govern UAV pilot certification. The end result is that UAV pilot training is all new and changes a lot. Those interested in UAV pilot training would do well to follow the FAA’s UAS Integration initiative (http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/).

UAV pilot training might not be available to you

Due in part to its newness, UAV pilot training isn’t yet widely available. New training providers are regularly starting courses in anticipation of the FAA developing a real UAS pilot certificate, but training is still likely to require a bit of travel on your part. Many of the best training providers are also heavily involved in UAV research in general, including several colleges an universities who recently sponsored test site proposals. As such, you might also need to be accepted to that college or university in general before being able to actually enroll in UAV pilot training.

Learning to fly UAVs isn’t any easier than regular flight training

The only real difference in flying a UAV and flying a more conventional aircraft is the location of the pilot. It is a common misconception that flying UAVs is some how less difficult than regular flying, but this is simply not accurate. If anything, flying a UAV is more difficult due to the lack of physical sensations of motion. In either case, learning to fly UAVs requires the same understanding of scientific and technical principles of flight as any flight training program.

UAV flight training is rapidly changing

As the FAA progresses through the process of integrating UAS into the National Airspace System, they continue to develop best practices and guidelines for training that will provide the basis for the UAV pilot certification process. While there are currently no UAV pilot certificates, it is only reasonable to expect at least a commercial certification to be developed and required in order to operate a UAV. Until such a time as that certification becomes available, it is likely there will be numerous changes and developments to cope with.

UAV pilot training is for the future

It is most important to understand that, unlike helicopter flight training for example, UAV pilot training is for the future. It is certainly not the distant future, but you can’t exactly walk out of a UAV pilot training program into a nice 9 to 5 job flying remotely-piloted aircraft. Please don’t let that stop you from pursuing UAV pilot training, but do be aware that you’re developing skills for the future in a fascinating and innovative career field.

UAV pilot training is experiencing rapid growth and provides the skills of the future. Blended with a current flight training program for more conventional aircraft, you are not only setting the stage for an exciting career today, but you will provide the basis for a very exciting and lucrative future career that will be not only exceptionally interesting but very rewarding.

Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits:

If you are interested in a career in aviation and you are a Veteran, now is the time to take advantage of the Post 9/11 GI Bill to further your education! The Post 9/11 GI Bill was put into effect in 2008 to provide education benefits for Veterans who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since Sept. 10, 2001. The VA-administered program provides benefits that are tiered based on the number of days served on active duty. For approved members, the Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits, generally payable for 15 years following your release from active duty and can include:

Up to 100% Tuition and Fee Coverage

A Monthly Living (Housing) Stipend

Up to $1000 a year for Books and Supplies

A One Time Relocation Allowance

The Option to Transfer Benefits to Family Members

Types of Training Covered:

The following educational benefits are approved under the Post 9/11 GI Bill:

College degree programs including Associate, Bachelor, and advanced degree programs

Vocational/Technical Training including non-college degree programs

On-the-job/Apprenticeship Training

Licensing & Certification Training

National Testing Programs such as SAT, CLEP, AP, etc

Flight Training

Correspondence Training

Entrepreneurship Training

Work-study programs

In conjunction with the Post 9/11 GI Bill, there is the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can add additional financial help to the GI Bill benefits for qualifying Veterans. You can also transfer your benefits to your spouse or dependents! Take advantage of this great opportunity you have earned by serving your country. Once the VA has received your application they will determine your eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and you will be on your way to a new career…. possibly in AVIATION!

How you can become a professional career pilot

World needs pilots! Record growth leads to record need Half a million pilots needed globally.

CNN – Feb 13, 2014 - ”Released in August 2013, the Boeing Pilot and Technical Market Outlook for 2013-2032 forecasts nearly half a million new commercial airline pilots will be needed to fly all the new airplanes entering the world fleet over the next 20 years.”

ROTOR F/X is presenting a series of seminars to show you how you can become a professional career pilot in the airlines, corporate business and charter or helicopters and enter the exciting and rewarding world of aviation.

If you have ever dreamed of being a pilot and making it your career be sure to come and hear first hand from experienced pilots and instructors what is in store for you.
The seminars and presentations will cover:

All aspects of training and ratings from private pilot through ATP (Airline Transport Pilot)

Earning a two or four year university degree in aviation along with your flight training

Financing options for flight training

Financing options for university degree programs including special low interest government backed student loans

Job opportunities in all fields, now and in the near future

How you can have a guaranteed job working with us

Do not miss this opportunity to change your life and learn how to enter the fascinating and exciting world of flight.